Coming from the Great White North in August, what are we thinking? We're back!

[pl'smama]

I am glad to hear that you have caught the geocaching bug, it is addictive, have fun.
Happy hunting and I hope your DD is feeling better soon. Geodoc

Thanks to both of you for the well wishes. My DD is one the road to recovery!!

Suz

 

[purplepeg]

Glad to hear she's on the mend.


Just for the rest of you, I haven't forgotten about you. I will post the next installment soon. Queenofallthings is hoping to add her two cents in here at some point too. It'll probably be more like a dollar by the time she finishes as she does like to chat I can't believe it's been a month today that we arrived in WDW Boy time sure does fly Stay tuned

 

[Hypermommy]

Wait until she arrives on Monday and doesn't stop talking at the top of her lungs Oh well, as I always say, ignorance is bliss

That's my girl!!!! She's gonna solid take over that school... as it should be!

Hope she's feeling better?

Queenofallthings is hoping to add her two cents in here at some point too. It'll probably be more like a dollar by the time she finishes as she does like to chat

Woot!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope to hear Queen's take on this trip soon! I'm sure she'll have a least a bean or two to spill on darlin' Peg, wouldn't y'all think? Who'all wants to hear from Queen?

<evil grin>

 

[purplepeg]

I was up again before my alarm was set to go off at 6 am. We were ready to go down to Intermissions for breakfast at 7:30.

QoaT and Jasmine at breakfast.

Jasmine bought her hat the day we arrived.

I know what you’re thinking….what the heck does she do that it takes an hour and a half for her to get ready? Well all this beauty isn’t natural…it needs help….a lot of help! I am not a morning person, I believe I have mentioned that, so I move very slowly in the am. I like to be pretty much ready before I get the kids up and then I can get their clothes out and pack the bag for the day, get their hair and teeth done and whatever else crops up in the morning that needs attention. We also got out our mousekeeping envelopes and our cash for the day. We were out waiting for the bus by 8:30 and had to wait 15-20 min for a bus to EPCOT.


Waiting for the bus.

The bus stop sign.

On the bus with Daddy.

EPCOT

Once we got there the place was packed. There were people everywhere! I know, I know, August in WDW what did I expect? It wasn’t that bad at MK yesterday. We headed right to Soarin’ after getting the stroller.

Heading to Soarin'. I know, I know, it doesn't look busy but there were people everywhere EXCEPT in our picture.

The wait for Soarin’ was 30 min so we grabbed FP’s and then went in line to wait. The lineup was almost to the entrance and I had my doubts that it was going to be 30 min but what the heck we’re here. The closer we got to the entrance they had interactive screens that were a lot of fun. In one you got to pop bubbles and in another you all had to lean as a group to help a bird fly so it didn’t crash into a cliff wall. It was lots of fun and passed the time quickly. Trust Disney to come up with a unique way to occupy your time while you wait.


QoaT and Jasmine patiently waiting for the ride.

The family waiting.

The screens to the right.

The girls popping bubbles.

The ride was as fabulous as ever. When we came out we had about 30 min before our FP time. I went outside to see what the wait times were for the other rides and they were all 45-60 min or more. We decided to have a snack and just wait. I had a cheese Danish, it was really good.
For our 2nd ride we got top row rt side. I had never ridden top row before, very nice but I’ll ride it any row because it’s so great.
When we finished we went over to see Test Track and Mission Space wait times. TT was 60 min and MS was 40. Mini Montana had her heart set on TT and Geodoc had his heart set on MS. Sooo QoaT and Jasmine took her to TT and Geodoc and I took dd8 on MS. She had never been on MS before and we told her we would do green team. She was really nervous and cried a bit standing in line.


THE ride.

Our green team tickets.

The thumbs up.

Pressing yet another penny.

The finished product.

DD8 took this picture of these birds.

This was going to be my first time on it as well. The first time I could have ridden I was pregnant and the last time we had to rider swap and decided I would take dd8 on TT while Geodoc did MS. Once we got to MS we saw that green team was only a 10 min posted wait time. So we managed to get in two rides before we met up with the TT crew. DD8 was really nervous through the whole first ride but loved it and was happy to do it again.

We had to wait a bit for the TT crew but we found a nice shaded bench and relaxed. We headed out to the hotel at 1:30. There were lots of people at the food court when we got back. We had lunch and then went swimming for a bit and then back up for a rest. I did a little DISing and rested a bit.

It wasn’t our best day. We really felt like we got nothing done and really we only did 3 rides. I’m guessing we should have left earlier and maybe our Soarin’ FP’s would have closer to getting off the first time. We were happy with what we did and everyone had a really good time. The kids were always really happy to get in the pool. We were very close to the piano pool so that’s where we spent most of our afternoons.


Coming up Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern.

 

[Hypermommy]

Ooooo... I want that Eepcot picture, please!!?? The DSC02679.jpg one

Ahhhhhh... it's so nice to be able to at least see Epcot. What I wouldn't give to be there again!!! Well... maybe just about everything except the cruise I'd give.

See... I haven't even seen the standby line additions on Soarin' and they've been in for over a year! When I was there in December we FP'd it so I missed those. Sounds like it's so much better than the trivia stuff they used to have .. and I even liked that

"She had never been on MS before and we told her we would do green team. She was really nervous and cried a bit standing in line."
Now come on... finish the story. What terrible thing did you tell her about this ride? I know you did... you made her read Titanic before you went on the cruise. You forced her to sit between two absolutely scared of flying folks on the flight. You think I'm gonna believe you weren't just whispering in here ear something particularly nasty about MS?

/me ducking and running ..... again

Great MS picture!!!! That is a pretty exterior, isn't it?

 

[declansdad]

Hello,

I just found your report and I'm enjoying things so far. It looks like you all had a great time. We had some overlap with our trips so I am eager to read yours.

 

[purplepeg]

Now what makes you think I said anything to her
She was concerned because she had never been on it before. She gets herself all worked up about the unknown and what may happen. We explained that there was no spinning and it would be like Star Tours. She's hard to convince. When we finally made it to the front and were waiting she was able to see the difference between green and orange.
For the record Queenofallthings is way worse at tormenting our children than we are

I'll get that photo to you.......maybe.

 

[purplepeg]

Hello,

I just found your report and I'm enjoying things so far. It looks like you all had a great time. We had some overlap with our trips so I am eager to read yours.

Thanks. I've been following yours too. I still can't believe you pulled it off and still haven't told him.

 

[Hypermommy]

For the record Queenofallthings is way worse at tormenting our children than we are

I'll get that photo to you.......maybe.

I knew I liked that girl!!! Tell her that her public is anxiously awaiting her appearance and she needs to get her butt on here.

Wait, you mean I have to behave to get photos?????? There ain't enough pixie dust in the entire worlds of Disney to make that happen. Guess I'll just have to live without.

 

[purplepeg]

Dinner tonight was at Liberty Tree Tavern.


At the bus stop.

Outside MK

Sitting and having a moment.

Mini Montana checking out the map so we know where to go. QoaT cut off Geodoc's head!

The balloons.

The Castle (like I need to tell you).

Main Street

More Balloons.

Stopping to visit a duck on the way.

The Christmas store.

Near Liberty Tree Tavern

I love this restaurant. Our ADR was for 7:30 and we arrived at 7:10. They called us within 5 min. The food is served family style and the food is good. You start with a salad that has a really nice dressing and then they bring out plates of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and a plate with roast turkey, flank steak, and ham with a mustard sauce. They also bring out gravy. It’s so good. For dessert we had apple crumble and ice cream. It was so warm and so good. Our server wasn’t very friendly but she seemed to warm up as we went along. My biggest beef with some of the servers is beverages. They may or may not bring them out right away but they forget to refill them, especially water. I’m thirsty, it’s Florida in August and I’m from a cold climate. Bring me more water! I just kept asking and she finally got it. When she brought the food out we (as in the children and I as the parent) were just on our way to the bathroom and she gave me this look like “you’re leaving?” I said to her “bathroom, of course we have to go to the bathroom the food just arrived” She laughed, that’s when I realized she was warming up. The characters all come around and were lots of fun with the kids. DD4 had a Tinkerbell autograph book that had beads in it that made noise when you shook it so Chip and Dale would shake it and dance. She and dd8 thought that was pretty funny. Goofy signed their autograph books on dd8’s head. I wasn’t quick enough to get a picture of that. QoaT did. Here are some shots at dinner I have quite a few and ones of the Spectromagic parade. I've combined mine and QoaT's photos so we have a lot.

After dinner we walked outside to the front and there were no people waiting for Spectromagic. We were pretty happy about that so we just parked there and waited. This was going to be the only night we could watch it because of the bridge rehab. It’s my favorite parade and I even have the music from it for my ring tone on my cell phone. More and more people came and of course we had to get territorial over our spots because as you all know people show up at the last minute and expect you to move. Poor dd8 got squished by this rude lady with her grandchild in a stroller. While we were waiting dd8 made friends with this little boy who had never been to Disney before. She was telling him all about the different rides and places to see. It was so cute. We had brought glow sticks with us so the kids were putting them on so we gave him a couple and he was so happy. They also had a big skipping rope out so the two girls went over. Now dd8 can skip, dd4 can’t. The CM’s turning the rope were so great with her, they let her have a couple of turns to try. She was pretty frustrated but she left so others could have a turn. I was so proud.

I enjoyed this parade so much, I got goose bumps and tried to sing along but don’t really know the words but I did buy the CD so I’m learning. If you have never seen it I suggest booking LTT for dinner and then jut walking right out and watch the parade from in front of LTT. It worked for us.


After the parade we were all tired and my legs and hips were really sore. We decided not to stay for Wishes. We didn’t want to push the kids too much. We got to see some of the fireworks from the bus and we were back in our room by 10:30, very tired and glad to be back. Tonight was my turn to sleep with dd4. She likes to flip flop all over the bed and had been keeping dh up for the past 2 nights.

Tomorrow is a surprise day. I don’t want to tell you what we do but it is a rest day.


I'll have to continue later with more photos. I have to go do something right now. More pictures later I promise.

 

[purplepeg]

I knew I liked that girl!!! Tell her that her public is anxiously awaiting her appearance and she needs to get her butt on here.

Wait, you mean I have to behave to get photos?????? There ain't enough pixie dust in the entire worlds of Disney to make that happen. Guess I'll just have to live without.

Oh no I'd never tell you to behave. I suspect your parents did that all your life I will tell her to get her butt on here but she has to come here because she doesn't have a computer and her work computer doesn't allow access to the DISboards. I'll tell her you are anxiously awaiting her comments. Just remember I'm the one telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

 

[nat1234]

What a great update. Now I really can't wait to go back and I still have to wait until next December to go, Dec 2009 that is. I actually booked our trip last week. Now I just have to tell DH that I did. Although he's not coming, strictly the girls, so maybe he dosn't need to know yet. I'll have to think about that. Now hurry with the next update please!
Natalie

 

[Queenofallthings]

Finally my turn!! Purplepeg has had her say so far, now it's time for mine!! Might as well start at the very beginning.....Aug 8. This was my official first day of holidays but no time for sleeping in or for that matter no desire. Jumped out of bed at 7am as my girlfriend Brenda was coming at 830am to iron. Yup, I have a girlfriend who loves to iron and I let her! She showed up at 830 with Tim Horton's coffee and we were off to the races. Jasmine was sleeping in so we left her clothes until she finally got up somewhere around 1130am. When Brenda came in the house she said I'm so excited I couldn't sleep last night. Ironing for Brenda is like the Magic Kingdom to the rest of us! Hey, if she's willing who am I to take that away from her?

Brenda's daughter Kayla arrived right around 4pm and an hour later we were packed and ready so we met up with Purplepeg and her family and all went out for a wonderful steak dinner. Back to our place to wait until 4am for pickup. See, we don't go to bed the night before we have that god forsaken 6am flight, we stay up and strategically plan showering, shaving and coiffing to make it perfect timing for the limo. In other words, keep busy so you're not thinking of getting on an aircraft. That's right, not a fan of flying....actually love flying hate the thought of crashing! Now....Purplepeg I understand has said that I have tarnished her darling 8 year old from flying...I don't believe that, not for one second. I mean seriously, if you're being thrown around the inside cabin of an aircraft like a rag doll it's a little hard not to hang onto the seat in front of you for dear life, is it?

Firstly though, I must give you some history......in 2004 when Jasmine and I travelled to WDW we also encountered an aborted landing coming into Toronto. What made me feel terrific (sarcasm, please get this is sarcasm) was when the pilot informed us we had to abort as there was an aircraft sitting on the runway where we were about to land . Now, you're probably all wondering why would they tell us that? I agree, so I thought "I know some Air Canada pilots I'll ask one of them. Apparently, they have to tell us, something about a law! Whatever!! Just lie, I'm ok with that, lie away. An important point of this story is Jasmine and I were sitting together in row 23, this is an important point as when we had to abort this time, ROW 23!! It's obviously an omen! Anyhoodle, the worse part was I got extremely nauseaous, so much so that I thought for sure I should be locating that little white bag. I turned to Purplepeg who was across the aisle from me and asked her for a pepppermint...she gave me one which still had the wrap on it...I politely asked her to remove it (she'll tell you I was screaming at her) and threw that little puppy in my mouth. I've never been nauseated on an aircraft in my life....normally too busy worrying about dying than throwing up. This was horrible, I think I had 2 before we had to abort and then that almost threw me over the edge....I was going to hurl for sure! Thankfully my darling sister was only too pleased to provide me with all the peppermint lifesavers I needed (she had a huge smile on her face) until she realized her daughter was on the verge of hysterics. At this point I figure someone has to be the adult here, why it had to be me I still can't figure out, so I was trying my hardest to swallow to keep the vomit down and console her at the same time. You know.....the pilots do this to keep us safe....they're responsible and will always do what's best...blah blah blah. She only cried harder so I figured I have my own problem right now, she's on her own! As I write it down it does seem wrong, but hey, what's in the past is in the past!

Finally on the ground. Now, it's off to ME. In my head, all I can think is please don't let the bus be full, I can't sit at the back. Thankfully, someone was looking out for me, row 3, thank the lord, row 3, I can see out the front. I still really wasn't in the mood to make conversation, but it did help to eat the rest of Purpepeg's lifesavers.

I also realize she may have said that I like to torment her children....I prefer to call it sport. I'm sure she wanted to kill me on a few occasions, but I didn't let that stop me. No better way to start the day than by asking if we were going to start with one of the 8 year olds "favorite" rides. Purplepeg has quite a few glaring, "if looks could kill" stares in her arsenal!!

I will be over here every weekend to input my 2 cents, keep this real, if you know what I mean! Purplepeg has her own ideas of what happened (I think she may have been drinking) the entire trip. Oh, did I mention she started every morning with Bailey's in her coffee? I'm not usually one to judge....but thought you should know. Until next weekend......

 

[declansdad]

Thanks. I've been following yours too. I still can't believe you pulled it off and still haven't told him.

LOL, he came close to finding out a couple of times but so far so good. It is hard to edit pictures with him sitting a few feet away though.

 

[nat1234]

It was nice to get another perspective on the flight to WDW. Another point of view is always good. Unfortunately Purplepeg has some very damning pictures to back up her version of the flight. Hum, I don't know who to believe now. Great update.
Natalie

 

[purplepeg]

Thanks Nat1234. You're right I do have evidentiary photos to back me up. To think I actually let her use our computer to write that stuff. By the way hic...it was her idea to put the Baileys hic in our coffee in the am. It certainly makes the coffee more palatable..hic

 

[purplepeg]

Here are some more photos from dinner. Some similar but different views. Don't the kids just look so happy with the characters. Their eyes just sparkle with excitement.


Queenofallthings falling for Goofy.

Mini Montana trying her photography skills.

 

[nat1234]

Great pictures. We loved Liberty Tree Tavern. My DD just loves Goofy. We really liked the food and the character interaction was wonderful as well. And as for the bailey's in the coffee, I'm just going to stay neutral on that one because neither of you have any evidence to back up your claims.
Natalie

 

[purplepeg]

My computer hates me I just went to post a whole bunch of photos and it decide to go all white and make me lose everything So let try this again. These are photos of Spectromagic and one of the girls skipping. I'm just going to let you sit back and enjoy them. If you've never seen the parade and don't want to spoil it before you do see it then obviously don't look.

I have to say, though, there's nothing like being there and having the lights go off and the music come up and I get shivers every time. I love this parade. The photos are not in order because I tried it once and that's when my computer failed so just try and figure out the order. It's a test, yeah, that's it, a test.

 

[Hypermommy]

Queen, re your ironing girlfriend --- Absolutely you should let her!!!! How'd you get that lucky? Does she have a Florida counterpart? Sounds like you were just doing your part to make sure Brenda was having an enjoyable day.

Re "love flying hate the thought of crashing" You really need to listen to George Carlin's bit about airlines. You'd love it!

A law that they have to tell you that there was a near crash??? Do the police have to tell you that they almost shot you? I think it would be perfectly sufficient for the pilot to say "a situation developed that caused us to abort this landing and make another approach. If you wish to have details please ask after the flight" That way the people that want to know could find out once everyone was safely on the ground.

So if you're snakebit PP would probably give you the ingredients for antivenom but then expect you to mix them yourself, right? Don't worry, Q... we all know how sadistic she is with members of her family. She's ruined that poor little girl... girl can't travel on the sea or by air or probably by rocket after MS. Only thing left is via ground. I imagine Peg's probably looking for a video about "Greatest Crashes of all Time" soon to start showing her.


Oh, so "she's on her own"... see, you'd love Carlin. He's talking about the airbag and how the stewardess tells you to adjust your mask before your kid's and he says that this is a good time for him to learn some self-reliance and if he can program his !@#$$!#@$ VCR.........!!!! Yep, I can see you up there just tossing the girl to the sharks. Now I find it easier to believe that you're PP's own flesh and blood.

I love Bailey's!!! We called it Scoutmaster's Creamer. Hey... you go out in the woods with a bunch of 11-18 year old boys and try to maintain your sanity. I know, I know... against all the rules. Oh well! The boys didn't know what I was up to and it all has to do with the medicinal uses of alcohol... properly applied to me it keeps the kids alive ;-)

Peg, thanks for all the pictures of Spectromagic! I love this parade too!!! But you're right... the pictures don't do it justice. Something I noticed after our last trip is that my eyes kind of blurred together the lights on their clothes whereas with the photos they're all quite individually visible. Don't get me wrong... I appreciate all the photos... just something I noticed and thought I'd share for no particular reason.

Just noticed the Chip & Dale photo.. yeah,.... kind of like that (the lights on their clothes) That's what my eyes usually did with the lights. Very cool!

I'm loving the TR as I knew I would. You have such a fun style of writing and I'm loving hearing about everything. Okay, so what mean and sadistic thing did you do to your poor daughter next? Did miniMontana get any of this sadism directed at her yet or is she still successfully plying the cute factor?